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Useful experience for air traffic controllers includes:

• work as an aeroplane or helicopter pilot
• other aviation and navigation experience
• any work dealing with people
• work in industries with a strong health and safety focus, for example, emergency services.

Air traffic controllers may do some or all of the following:

• receive information about flights from flight plans, pilot reports, radar and observations
• direct aircraft and manage aircraft traffic flows
• advise pilots on weather conditions, the status of facilities and airports
• give pilots permission to take off, land and change altitude and direction
• give airport workers permission to move around the tarmac and runway
• monitor aircraft on a radar and resolve possible conflicts
• alert airport fire crew and rescue services in emergencies
• write reports on incidents.

High competition for air traffic controller roles 

Vacancies for air traffic controllers are limited due to the small number of people in the role. Most air traffic controllers stay in the role for a long time so there is low staff turnover. Therefore there is high competition for any vacancies.

Limited entry to training

Airways International, the commercial arm of Airways New Zealand, only takes 12-24 trainees into its air traffic control training programme each year. Entry is very competitive.

Trainees who successfully complete the programme and meet other requirements usually get a job.

341 air traffic controllers worked in New Zealand in 2023.

New technology will change air traffic controllers' work

New technology in air traffic management systems, set to be introduced over the next 10 years, could result in a reduction in demand for air traffic controllers in the long term.

Virtual control towers are being trialled, which could mean controllers monitor air traffic from remote locations in the future. 

One employer of air traffic controllers

All air traffic controllers work for Airways New Zealand.

Airways International Ltd

trainingadmin@airways.co.nz - www.airwaysinternational.com

New air traffic controllers usually work at a regional control tower, dealing mostly with domestic flights. With two to three years' experience they may progress to work in an international control tower or radar centre. They may then move into management or specialist roles such as:

Air Traffic Control Policy and Standards Specialist

Air traffic control policy and standards specialists co-ordinate and provide advice on procedures, licensing and standards issues.

Air Training Centre Instructor

Air training centre instructors train air traffic controllers.

Air traffic controllers need to be:

• very organised, with the ability to prioritise, plan and make decisions
• able to remain calm under pressure and adapt quickly to changing situations
• able to learn theory and apply it in practical situations
• excellent at spatial awareness
• mature, responsible and conscientious
• skilled in making calculations
• clear communicators and able to work well with others.